Black Monday, Coaching Chaos & Playoff Picks That Might Actually Age Well with Rick Garcia and Corey Nathan

We wrapped recording just before the NFL dropped a bombshell: John Harbaugh was out in Baltimore—instantly becoming Corey Nathan’s dream hire for the New Yawk Football Giants.

Rick Garcia and Corey Nathan kick off the new year with a sharp-elbowed breakdown of the NFL’s Black Monday fallout, the quarterback-coach carousel, wildcard weekend picks, and bold Super Bowl predictions. From Cleveland’s dysfunction to the Giants’ coaching appeal, from Shedeur Sanders’ future to College Football Playoff talk, the fellas bring clarity, context, and plenty of personality.

And because this is East Meets West, they close things out by popping the culture—exploring iconic movie roles that almost went to very different actors (yes, including O.J. Simpson as the Terminator).

Whether you’re tracking playoff brackets, coaching hires, or Hollywood “what-ifs,” this episode connects the dots across sports, leadership, and culture.

Episode Highlights 00:00–05:00 — Black Monday Arrives

NFL head coaches fall as the regular season ends.

Quick-hit reactions to firings across Arizona, Las Vegas, Cleveland, Atlanta, Tennessee, and New York.

Why “Black Monday” is the most dreaded date on an NFL coach’s calendar.

05:00–15:00 — Coaching Firings: Fair or Premature?

Debating the Stefanski firing in Cleveland and the weight of front-office dysfunction.

Why Tennessee moving on from Brian Callahan may have been rushed.

Atlanta’s Raheem Morris: respected motivator, unsettled quarterback room.

Big Theme: “If you don’t have a quarterback, it almost doesn’t matter who your coach is.”

15:00–25:00 — Quarterback Rooms & Franchise Futures

Kyler Murray’s uneven leadership in Arizona.

Raiders reset: no QB, No. 1 pick, and Tom Brady in the ownership mix.

Cleveland’s dilemma: Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and what “earning your place in the room” really means.

Key Stat: Shedeur Sanders’ pedestrian numbers—but three wins on a broken Browns roster.

25:00–35:00 — The Giants Job & Coaching Candidates

Why the Giants may be the most appealing opening in the league.

Roster strengths, offensive line needs, and Jaxson Dart’s upside.

Coaching names in play: Mike LaFleur, Kliff Kingsbury, Klint Kubiak, and the lingering Stefanski question.

(Wait! John Harbaugh's available?!?!)

Debate: Offensive head coach + elite defensive coordinator vs. defensive-minded leadership.

35:00–55:00 — NFL Wild Card Weekend Picks

Steelers vs. Texans — defense wins, Texans advance.

Jaguars vs. Bills — is it finally Buffalo’s year?

Patriots vs. Chargers — experience vs. schedule strength.

NFC breakdown: Rams–Panthers 49ers–Eagles Bears–Packers (hello, weather)

Consensus: Lots of road teams… and lots of surprises.

55:00–1:05:00 — Super Bowl Predictions

Corey goes bold: Rams vs. Broncos.

Rick leans defense: Broncos out of the AFC, Rams survive the NFC.

Big Picture: “Defense still wins Super Bowls.”

1:05:00–1:20:00 — College Football Playoff Chaos

Indiana’s stunning rise and old-school toughness.

Why the extended playoff calendar is breaking programs mid-run.

Ole Miss, Miami, Oregon, Indiana—who’s built to last?

Hot Take: Indiana may crush whoever meets them in the title game.

1:20:00–End — Pop That Culture: The Roles That Got Away

Chris Farley’s unfinished turn as Shrek.

Will Smith passing on The Matrix.

Tom Selleck almost becoming Indiana Jones.

Robert Redford nearly starring in The Graduate.

OJ Simpson… almost the Terminator.

A reminder that timing, context, and fit matter—on screen and on the field.

Big Picture Takeaways

Coaches are judged by quarterbacks—fair or not.

Rebuilds start up front, not at the podium.

Playoff football rewards defense, patience, and health.

College football’s structure is failing its own success.

Even iconic roles (and franchises) hinge on one decision.

Find Us On

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Rick Garcia: @RickGarciaNews on X (Twitter)

Follow Corey Nathan: @coreysnathan on Substack, Threads, Instagram, X & more

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